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News

Due to ongoing restrictions the Trustees have unfortunately had to make the decision to POSTPONE our Annual Fair at Merthyr Leisure Centre which was due to be held on Saturday 26 September. We are very disappointed to have to make this decision but feel that the format of the event with talks and one to one help sessions would not be possible under the present circumstances. We intend to be back in 2021 with a bigger and better fair. Watch this space for updates!

The summer of 2020 can scarcely go by without a mention of the pandemic that has arisen, and our thoughts will be those with particular worries amongst friends and families. Our love of history brings to mind that other pandemic of a 100 years ago, the so-called ‘Spanish’ flu, just coming to an end in late 1920.

For this edition we asked for topics with any and every theme in mind, so what follows is truly eclectic and hopefully will bring interest and relief from the bad news around us. We have sport, music, memories, disputes and debates, a little amusement, along with a not-so-nice account of a vicious crime in Cardiff. There are no apologies for including an item from a member about his father struggling home across Europe at the end of WWII, as this month marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day; many celebrations had been organised but are obviously being postponed until a later date.

There is no Centre Insert with this Journal but included is the Annual Report and Accounts. The full reports and Notes to the Accounts will be made available on our website shortly.

On the next page you will see the current ‘Coronavirus’ statement from the Executive Committee. It is with regret that we have had to cancel the Society's activities for the foreseeable future. Just as we go to print we have also unfortunately had to make the decision to postpone this year’s Annual Fair in September to 2021.

In this time of seclusion in our homes, please continue to raid your family archives for more stories and memories - and keep in touch. Also let us know of any successes you may have with the online materials now being made available during ‘lockdown’ such as the FREE digital resources at the National Archives at Kew: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Have a good summer and stay safe!

Journal 138 and the Society's Report and Accounts can be accessed in our Members Only Area.

Please note that owing to the UK 'lockdown' which commenced on Monday 23rd March there will be a delay in fulfilling orders for publications and in banking cheques received for membership subscriptions, etc. We ask our members and customers to be patient at this difficult time. We would ask where possible that anyone who has not yet renewed their membership does so online. Current members need to log in first.

The Trustees have unfortunately had to make the decision to CLOSE our centre at Aberkenfig and cancel all Branch Meetings and Society activities until further notice. We are doing this in order to protect our members and volunteers many of whom are, or have relatives in, the high risk category. We shall of course continue to offer research help and guidance by email.